Hello again!

I can’t say much regarding my prolonged absence from  this blog other than March, 2013, will forever be known as my month of chaos! Unfortunately, something in my life had to give, and that something was writing, but despite it all, I still continued my giving challenge and now I finally have the opportunity to share with the rest of you what I’ve been working on this month! So, without further ado, I present Weeks 17-20 before I once again get pulled in another direction! God’s peace to you all this Holy Week and Happy Easter!

Week 17

This week I focused on giving to the schools in our area. We support both public and private institutions that my family and I are either currently a part of, or have been involved with in our past. Here are some simple ideas on how you can help your local schools:

Collect Box Tops on many of the products you already buy to help raise funds for your school. For more information on this program, click here

Participate in school fundraisers—Kids are always selling something, so why not buy that tub of cookie dough? You are helping a school and getting a yummy snack in return! Call your local schools to find out more about fundraisers during the year.

Perhaps a teacher is asking for something specific for his or her classroom! Check out DonorsChoose.org (click here) to see if a teacher in your area is in need!

Drop off a box of school supplies (paper, crayons, markers, glue sticks, pencils, erasers, etc.) at the school office. Call ahead to see if there are any specific items that are in need.

Week 18

It’s that time of year again—spring cleaning! I’ve been purging items from every nook and cranny! Why not consider donating those items you no longer want/use to a local shelter, or a St. Vincent De Paul store? The reason I like those two options is that the majority of the items donated will go to those with the greatest need in the community.
Ideas for donations include:
Sheets/Bedding
Towels
Clothes
Coats
Shoes
Toiletries
Cleaning Supplies
Plates/Utensils
Diapers & some toys (if it is a family shelter)

Week 19

This week I focused on helping a friend in need. This person is struggling, and although I am crazy busy myself, I made it a point to take time to ensure my friend knew how loved he or she is (I’m trying to be ambiguous here…I do know this person’s gender! lol)! We all have a friend who is struggling. Is there any way you can lend a hand? Perhaps you can just offer a listening ear. Or maybe bring over dinner or a bottle of wine! Offer to watch the kids (if he or she has them) for an afternoon. Find a way to lighten this person’s load just a little to hopefully give a small sense of peace in whatever storm he or she is facing.

Week 20

Okay, I know I’ve flown through all the weeks, but like I mentioned quite a few times, it’s sheer CRAZINESS over here! So, for week 20, which coincides with Holy Week leading up to Easter, I want us to focus on how we can be just a little bit more like Christ who bore our sins so that we may be forgiven.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESV

This week, in honor of Christ’s Love and God’s forgiveness through Him, I want you to forgive someone you have been at odds with. Reach out to that person with whom you are in conflict and try to work out your differences. If you are not in a place where that is possible, then free yourself from the burden of holding a grudge and offer forgiveness in your heart. Just speak the words, “I forgive you, <insert name here>, for what you have done.” If you find this difficult, pray to God to help you. Trust me when I say that forgiveness of another will free you more than that other person.

Happy Easter everyone and hope to see you next week!

God Bless!
Kirsten